Entertainment
Carol Lynn Pearson's 'Facing East' returns after 20 years
Carol Lynn Pearson's 2006 play "Facing East" will return to Utah stages in October and November 2026, twenty years after its premiere helped shift how Mormon families understood LGBTQ loved ones. The play centers on the parents of a gay man who died by suicide and their journey toward acceptance.
September 4, 2026 at 6:03 AM MT · via Sunstone · 2 sources
Original Broadway cast returns for 'Book of Mormon' 15th anniversary
The original stars of "The Book of Mormon" will return to Broadway for a special 15th anniversary performance, according to TicketNews.
September 4, 2026 at 5:37 AM MT · via TicketNews
Members use AI to create Book of Mormon videos, raising plagiarism concerns
Latter-day Saint creators are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to produce videos depicting Book of Mormon stories, marking what the Salt Lake Tribune calls a new era in LDS cinema. The article examines whether AI-generated art — which critics argue is built on unauthorized use of copyrighted training data — can serve devotional purposes. The Church discontinued its own Book of Mormon video series in 2019 after producing episodes covering roughly one-third of the text, leaving a gap some members are attempting to fill with AI tools.
August 29, 2026 at 6:05 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
Lindsey Stirling dazzles Cleveland with violin and acrobatics
Violinist and performer Lindsey Stirling brought her high-energy show to the Acrisure Amphitheater in Cleveland, combining classical violin with electronic music, choreographed dance, and acrobatic elements. The Latter-day Saint performer is known for her genre-blending performances and has built a massive YouTube following. Local Spins praised her storytelling through music and visuals, noting the show's appeal across age groups. Stirling has previously spoken about how her faith influences her artistry and career choices.
August 22, 2026 at 7:08 AM MT · via Local Spins · 14 sources
'Book of Mormon' musical returns to UIS after fire cancellations
The University of Illinois Springfield announced the return of *The Book of Mormon* musical to its venue after earlier shows were canceled due to a Manhattan theater fire. WANDTV reports the rescheduled performances will take place this fall. The Tony-winning satire of Mormon missionary work has been a box office success since its 2011 debut, though its irreverent portrayal of the LDS Church has drawn mixed reactions from Latter-day Saints.
August 19, 2026 at 4:05 PM MT · via wandtv.com · 2 sources
UK group seeks clarity on clergy child abuse reporting law
The National Secular Society has asked the UK government to clarify how a new mandatory child abuse reporting law will apply to religious confession and clergy-penitent privilege. The law, passed earlier this year, requires certain professionals to report known or suspected child abuse, but questions remain about whether religious confessions create exemptions.
August 19, 2026 at 3:07 PM MT · via National Secular Society · 6 sources
Avery Woods answers fan questions about 'Secret Lives' Orange County filming
Avery Woods discussed filming the upcoming "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County" spinoff in a Q&A video on her CHEERS! with Avery YouTube channel.
August 18, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via YouTube / CHEERS! with Avery · 5 sources
Whitney Leavitt discusses Broadway return after 'Mormon Wives' exit
Whitney Leavitt, who recently announced her departure from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," opened up about her exit from the reality show and her upcoming Broadway return in an interview with Yahoo News Singapore. The former cast member will reprise her role as Sandra Dee in the musical "Just in Time."
August 17, 2026 at 8:07 AM MT · via Yahoo News Singapore · 14 sources
Lindsey Stirling brings multi-talented show to Wisconsin State Fair
OnMilwaukee previews Lindsey Stirling's upcoming performance at the Wisconsin State Fair, highlighting the LDS violinist's unique blend of classical training, electronic music, and choreographed performances. Stirling's show combines her signature violin work with elaborate staging and dance. The performance is part of her ongoing Duality Untamed 2026 tour, which has drawn strong attendance across multiple states.
August 14, 2026 at 8:08 AM MT · via OnMilwaukee · 6 sources
David Archuleta to headline Virginia Pridefest 2026
David Archuleta will headline Virginia Pridefest 2026, continuing his advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion following his public journey navigating his sexuality and faith. The former "American Idol" runner-up, who grew up Latter-day Saint and came out as queer in 2021, has become a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ people raised in conservative religious environments. WRIC ABC 8News reports the booking represents Archuleta's ongoing effort to use his platform for visibility and acceptance.
August 13, 2026 at 12:05 PM MT · via WRIC ABC 8News
Sunstone podcast features Bible scholar Dan McClellan on TikTok success
Sunstone's podcast interviewed Dan McClellan, the Latter-day Saint Bible scholar who has made scriptural scholarship accessible—and viral—on TikTok. McClellan discussed how he became an internet sensation by making academic biblical criticism engaging for mass audiences. His short videos challenging common biblical misinterpretations have drawn millions of views. McClellan works for the Church on the Joseph Smith Papers project while maintaining his independent social media presence.
August 13, 2026 at 5:34 AM MT · via Sunstone · 2 sources
Comedian Nate Bargatze to perform at BYU-Idaho this fall
Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze will bring his "Big Dumb Eyes Goes to College" show to the BYU-Idaho Center on October 23 at 7:30 p.m. The clean comedian, whose observational humor has made him one of the most popular stand-up acts in America, fits BYU-Idaho's family-friendly entertainment standards. Bargatze's Rexburg stop is part of his college tour targeting campus audiences.
August 13, 2026 at 4:45 AM MT · via Post Register